U.S. patent application number 13/467815 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-14 for establishing a financial account using a mobile computing device.
This patent application is currently assigned to FMR LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Joseph G. Ferra, Boris Olegovich Kalinichenko. Invention is credited to Joseph G. Ferra, Boris Olegovich Kalinichenko.
Application Number | 20130304644 13/467815 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49546710 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130304644 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kalinichenko; Boris Olegovich ;
et al. |
November 14, 2013 |
Establishing a Financial Account using a Mobile Computing
Device
Abstract
A financial account is established using a mobile computing
device. A digital image of an applicant's identification having
text based components is captured. The digital image of the
identification is processed to recognize at least a portion of the
text based components. The portion of the text based components is
used to complete an application for the financial account. The
digital image of the identification is transmitted to a regulatory
body. Verification of the identity of the applicant is received
from the regulatory body. The financial account for the applicant
is established.
Inventors: |
Kalinichenko; Boris Olegovich;
(Jamaica Plain, MA) ; Ferra; Joseph G.; (Dover,
MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kalinichenko; Boris Olegovich
Ferra; Joseph G. |
Jamaica Plain
Dover |
MA
MA |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
FMR LLC
Boston
MA
|
Family ID: |
49546710 |
Appl. No.: |
13/467815 |
Filed: |
May 9, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 40/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/42 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 40/02 20120101
G06Q040/02; H04W 4/12 20090101 H04W004/12 |
Claims
1. A method of establishing a financial account using a mobile
computing device, comprising: capturing, by the mobile computing
device, a digital image of an applicant's identification having
text based components; processing, by the mobile computing device,
the digital image of the identification to recognize at least a
portion of the text based components; using, by the mobile
computing device, the portion of the text based components to
complete an application for the financial account; transmitting, by
the mobile computing device, the digital image of the
identification to a regulatory body; receiving from the regulatory
body, by the mobile computing device, verification of the identity
of the applicant; and establishing, by the mobile computing device,
the financial account for the applicant.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: capturing, by the
mobile computing device, a second digital image of a payment
instrument to access to funds for the financial account; and
transferring the funds to the financial account.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising: providing, by the
mobile computing device, an interface for the applicant to access
the financial account.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the interface is on a display of
the mobile computing device.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising: providing, by the
mobile computing device, an interface for receipt of applicant
information not contained by the identification; receiving, by the
mobile computing device, the applicant information; and using, by
the mobile computing device, the applicant information to complete
the application for the financial account.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising: assigning an account
number to the financial account.
7. The method of claim 1 further comprising: capturing, by the
mobile computing device, a third digital image of account
augmentation information; and applying the account augmentation
information to the financial account.
8. The method of claim 1 further comprising: providing an interface
for the applicant to access the financial account on the
applicant's mobile device.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the financial account is a
brokerage account.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein the financial account is a
retirement savings account.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein the applicant's identification is
a driver's license and the regulatory body is a state-run
department of motor vehicles.
12. The method of claim 1 further comprising: capturing, by the
mobile computing device, a fourth digital image of a promotional
display for the financial account to initiate establishing the
financial account.
13. The method of claim 1 further comprising: receiving, by the
mobile computing device, on a touch screen display or a keypad, an
indicator to initiate establishing the financial account.
14. A computer program product, tangibly embodied in a machine
readable storage device, for establishing a financial account using
a mobile computing device, the computer program product including
instructions being operable to cause a data processing apparatus
to: capture a digital image of an applicant's identification having
text based components; process the digital image of the
identification to recognize at least a portion of the text based
components; use the portion of the text based components to
complete an application for the financial account; transmit the
digital image of the identification to a regulatory body; receive
from the regulatory body verification of the identity of the
applicant; and establish the financial account for the
applicant.
15. The computer program product of claim 14 wherein the data
processing apparatus further includes instructions being operable
to cause the data processing apparatus to: capture a second digital
image of a payment instrument to initiate transfer of funds from a
financial institution to the financial account.
16. The computer program product of claim 14 wherein the data
processing apparatus further includes instructions being operable
to cause the data processing apparatus to: capture a third digital
image of account augmentation information; and apply the account
augmentation information to the financial account.
17. The computer program product of claim 14 wherein the financial
account is a brokerage account.
18. The computer program product of claim 14 wherein the financial
account is a retirement savings account.
19. A system for establishing a financial account using a mobile
computing device, the system comprising: a financial account
opening module configured to: capture a digital image of an
applicant's identification having text based components; process
the digital image of the identification to recognize at least a
portion of the text based components; use the portion of the text
based components to complete an application for the financial
account; transmit the digital image of the identification to a
regulatory body; receive from the regulatory body verification of
the identity of the applicant; and establish the financial account
for the applicant.
20. The system of claim 19 wherein the financial account opening
module is further configured to: capture a second digital image of
a payment instrument to initiate transfer of funds from a financial
institution to the financial account.
21. The system of claim 19 wherein the financial account opening
module is further configured to: capture a third digital image of
account augmentation information; and apply the account
augmentation information to the financial account.
22. The system of claim 19 wherein the financial account is a
brokerage account.
23. The system of claim 19 wherein the financial account is a
retirement savings account.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates generally to methods and systems,
including computer program products, for opening or establishing a
financial account (e.g., a brokerage account or a retirement
account) using a mobile computing device.
BACKGROUND
[0002] When financial services representatives interact with
customers or potential customers in a face-to-face manner, such as
during meetings or at trade shows, a representative can convince a
customer to open a particular type of account with the financial
services company. Currently, the process requires filling out
paperwork and delivering the paperwork to the account opening
specialists at the financial services company. Paperwork is time
consuming and sometimes discourages the customer from acting on the
spot, particularly in a trade show environment, where the customer
is trying to meet as many vendors as possible.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention, in various embodiments, features a system and
process for opening or establishing a financial account (e.g., a
brokerage account or a retirement account) using a mobile computing
device. A financial services representative can expedite the
process of account opening by capturing the information needed to
establish the account using the mobile device. Furthermore, the
mobile device can be used to fund an account and provide the
customer subsequent access to the account, thereby eliminating or
alleviating the lengthy process typically required. The invention
can be employed in meetings with financial services providers, such
as advisors, or at trade shows.
[0004] In one aspect, there is a method of establishing a financial
account using a mobile computing device. The method includes
capturing, by the mobile computing device, a digital image of an
applicant's identification having text based components;
processing, by the mobile computing device, the digital image of
the identification to recognize at least a portion of the text
based components; using, by the mobile computing device, the
portion of the text based components to complete an application for
the financial account; transmitting, by the mobile computing
device, the digital image of the identification to a regulatory
body; receiving from the regulatory body, by the mobile computing
device, verification of the identity of the applicant; and
establishing, by the mobile computing device, the financial account
for the applicant.
[0005] In another aspect, there is a computer program product,
tangibly embodied in a machine readable storage device, for
establishing a financial account using a mobile computing device.
The computer program product includes instructions being operable
to cause a data processing apparatus to capture a digital image of
an applicant's identification having text based components, process
the digital image of the identification to recognize at least a
portion of the text based components, use the portion of the text
based components to complete an application for the financial
account, transmit the digital image of the identification to a
regulatory body, receive from the regulatory body verification of
the identity of the applicant, and establish the financial account
for the applicant.
[0006] In still another aspect, there is a system for establishing
a financial account using a mobile computing device. The system
includes a financial account opening module configured to capture a
digital image of an applicant's identification having text based
components, process the digital image of the identification to
recognize at least a portion of the text based components, use the
portion of the text based components to complete an application for
the financial account, transmit the digital image of the
identification to a regulatory body, receive from the regulatory
body verification of the identity of the applicant, and establish
the financial account for the applicant.
[0007] In yet another aspect, there is a mobile computing device
for establishing a financial account. The apparatus includes means
for capturing a digital image of an applicant's identification
having text based components, means for processing the digital
image of the identification to recognize at least a portion of the
text based components, means for using the portion of the text
based components to complete an application for the financial
account, means for transmitting the digital image of the
identification to a regulatory body, means for receiving from the
regulatory body verification of the identity of the applicant, and
means for establishing the financial account for the applicant.
[0008] In other examples, any of the aspects above, or any
apparatus, system or device, or method, process or technique,
described herein, can include one or more of the following
features.
[0009] The financial account can be a brokerage account or a
retirement savings account. The applicant's identification can be a
driver's license and the regulatory body can be a state-run
department of motor vehicles. In certain embodiments, an account
number is assigned to the financial account.
[0010] In certain embodiments, a second digital image of a payment
instrument is captured to access funds for the financial account so
that the funds can be transferred to the financial account. An
interface for the applicant to access the financial account can be
provided. The interface can be on a display of the mobile computing
device.
[0011] In various embodiments, an interface is provided for receipt
of applicant information not contained by the identification. Once
received, the applicant information is used to complete the
application for the financial account. An interface for the
applicant to access the financial account can be provided on the
applicant's mobile device.
[0012] In various embodiments, a third digital image of account
augmentation information is captured, and the account augmentation
information is applied to the financial account.
[0013] In some embodiments, a fourth digital image of a promotional
display for the financial account can be captured to initiate
establishing the financial account. In some embodiments, an
indicator to initiate establishing the financial account is
received on a touch screen display or a keypad.
[0014] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating the
principles of the invention by way of example only.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of
the present invention, as well as the invention itself, will be
more fully understood from the following description of various
embodiments, when read together with the accompanying drawings.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram showing a computer implemented
process establishing a financial account using a mobile computing
device.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing additional features or
functions that can be employed once an account is established.
[0018] FIG. 3 shows workflow using a mobile computing device to
establish a financial account.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram showing a computer implemented
process for establishing a financial account using a mobile
computing device. A digital image of an applicant's identification
having text based components is captured using a mobile computing
device (10). The digital image of the identification is processed
by the computing device to recognize at least a portion of the text
based components (14). The portion of the text based components is
used to complete an application for the financial account (18). The
digital image of the identification is transmitted to a regulatory
body, where the identity of the applicant is verified (22). The
mobile computing device is used to establish the financial account
for the applicant (26). An account number can be assigned to the
financial account. In various embodiments, an interface is provided
by the mobile computing device for receipt of applicant information
not contained by the identification. Once received, the applicant
information is used to complete the application for the financial
account so that the account can be established.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing additional features or
functions that can be employed once an account is established (26).
The financial account can be funded (30). For example, a second
digital image of a payment instrument (e.g., a check, credit card,
debit card, or cash) can be captured using the mobile computing
device. The payment instrument can allow funds to be accessed and
transferred to the financial account.
[0021] The financial services company can provide an incentive to a
prospective applicant if he/she opens an account. For example, a
promotion or benefit, such as a cash credit or X number of free
trades can be offered. If an incentive is being offered and an
account is established, the augmentation, promotion or benefit is
applied to the account (34). In certain embodiments, a third
digital image of account augmentation information is captured by
the mobile computing device, and the account augmentation
information is applied to the financial account. The account
augmentation information can be a display, a card, a banner, a
voucher, a digital image of a promotion, or the like.
[0022] Once the account is established, the applicant can be
provided access to the account (38). For example, an interface for
the applicant to access the financial account can be provided on or
by the mobile computing device. In certain embodiments, the
interface is provided on the applicant's mobile device. The
interface can be transmitted to the applicant's mobile device by a
server associated with the mobile computing device.
[0023] To initiate an account opening, a financial services
representative or advisor can open an application on the mobile
computing device. For example, an indicator to initiate
establishing the financial account can be received on a touch
screen display or a keypad. In some embodiments, to initiate an
account opening, a digital image of a promotional display (e.g., on
a billboard or on a local display at a trade show) can be
captured.
[0024] The mobile computing device can be a cell phone, a smart
phone, a personal digital assistant device, or a tablet. In certain
embodiments, the mobile computing device is a Blackberry, an
iPhone, an IPad, or an Android device.
[0025] The mobile computing device can be configured with an imager
such as a camera or scanner to capture one or more digital images
of the identification, the payment instrument, a promotion, a
benefit or account augmentation information.
[0026] The applicant's identification can be a government issued
identification document, such as a driver's license or a passport.
Text based components of the identification can include a name,
address, social security number, document number (e.g., driver's
license number), date of birth, date of expiration of document,
sex, height, or weight of the applicant. Other components of the
identification, which can be captured, include a picture, a
signature, a front of the identification, a back of the
identification, and a watermark or verification symbol of the
identification.
[0027] The regulatory body can be a state-run department of motor
vehicles or a Federal agency. The regulatory agency verifies
identity by comparing data received from the account opening
process against data stored in regulatory agency's database or by
following any other existing process in place.
[0028] The financial account can be a brokerage account, a
retirement savings account or a charitable giving account.
[0029] FIG. 3 shows workflow using a mobile computing device 42 to
establish an account. In FIG. 3A, the mobile computing device 42
can present a software application 46 including an option 50 to
open an account using a mobile application. In one example, a
financial services representative can select the option 50 on the
mobile computing device 42 to initiate opening an account. FIG. 3B
shows a form 54 to be filled out by the applicant. The mobile
computing device 42 can be used to image identification of the
applicant to complete the form. FIG. 3C shows an image 58 of a
driver's license taken by the mobile computing device 42. Both
sides of the identification can be photographed by the financial
services representative. The images of the identification can be
stored locally on the mobile computing device 42 and/or can be
stored on a server of the financial services representative.
[0030] The mobile computing device 42 or the server can parse the
digital image to extract the information necessary to apply for an
account, such as name of the customer, ID number, address of the
customer, customer's date of birth and customers signature. FIG. 3D
shows a form 62 including representative information. The
information can be verified or validated by a government agency,
such as a department of motor vehicles. A request to validate the
identification can be sent from the mobile computing device 42
and/or the server.
[0031] If the identification is confirmed to be a valid, a
financial services representative can complete any remaining
information for the applicant, including Social Security number,
investment profile as provided by the applicant or as determined by
the representative, level of access to certain investment vehicles
such as trades and stock options.
[0032] After the information is completed, the financial account
can be established by the financial services company. An account
number can be assigned to the financial account. FIG. 3E shows an
exemplary account page 66.
[0033] If an incentive is being offered, the financial services
representative can, for example, scan a bar code indexed to a
specific promotional benefit (e.g., free trades, favorable
commission, cash award, etc.). The incentive can be assigned to the
account.
[0034] The applicant can pair his device with the financial
services representative's device (e.g., the mobile computing device
42). If such a pairing occurs, a login screen that has the account
number prefilled is presented to the customer on his/her device.
The customer can enter his Social Security Number or other
appropriate log in information to access his/her account. The
customer can establish a user name and a password for subsequent
online access.
[0035] The customer can use a payment instrument to fund the
account. FIG. 3F shows an image of a check taken by the mobile
computing device 42. The mobile computing device 42 and/or the
financial services company's server can be used to parse the image
and access funds to be debited from the account of the payment
instrument and credited to the financial account.
[0036] In another example, the financial services company can post
a promotion or advertisement on a billboard, in a magazine, on a
website, or during a commercial. The promotion or advertisement can
be a bar code. The applicant can image the promotion or
advertisement using his/her mobile computing device to initiate the
account opening. The financial services company can transmit a
software application to the mobile computing device, which can
include a form to be completed by the applicant and instructions.
The mobile computing device can be used to image identification of
the applicant to complete the form. Both sides of the
identification can be photographed by the applicant. The images of
the identification can be stored locally on the mobile computing
device 42 and/or can be stored on a server of the financial
services representative.
[0037] The mobile computing device or the server can parse the
digital image to extract the information necessary to apply for an
account. The information can be verified or validated by a
government agency. The information can be transmitted to the server
of the financial services company, and then to the government
agency.
[0038] If the identification is confirmed to be a valid, the
applicant can complete any remaining information for the
application, including Social Security number. An investment
profile can be provided by the applicant, level of access to
certain investment vehicles can be determined.
[0039] After the information is completed, the financial account
can be established by the financial services company. An account
number can be assigned to the financial account. If an incentive is
being offered, the incentive can be assigned to the account.
[0040] A screen where the applicant can select a user name and a
password for subsequent online access is presented. The account can
be funded by a payment instrument, which the applicant can image
using his/her mobile computing device.
[0041] The above-described systems and methods can be implemented
in digital electronic circuitry, in computer hardware, firmware,
and/or software. The implementation can be as a computer program
product (e.g., a computer program tangibly embodied in an
information carrier). The implementation can, for example, be in a
machine-readable storage device for execution by, or to control the
operation of, data processing apparatus. The implementation can,
for example, be a programmable processor, a computer, and/or
multiple computers.
[0042] A computer program can be written in any form of programming
language, including compiled and/or interpreted languages, and the
computer program can be deployed in any form, including as a
stand-alone program or as a subroutine, element, and/or other unit
suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program can
be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers
at one site.
[0043] Method steps can be performed by one or more programmable
processors executing a computer program to perform functions of the
invention by operating on input data and generating output. Method
steps can also be performed by and an apparatus can be implemented
as special purpose logic circuitry. The circuitry can, for example,
be a FPGA (field programmable gate array) and/or an ASIC
(application-specific integrated circuit). Modules, subroutines,
and software agents can refer to portions of the computer program,
the processor, the special circuitry, software, and/or hardware
that implement that functionality.
[0044] Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program
include, by way of example, both general and special purpose
microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of
digital computer. Generally, a processor receives instructions and
data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The
essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing
instructions and one or more memory devices for storing
instructions and data. Generally, a computer can include, can be
operatively coupled to receive data from and/or transfer data to
one or more mass storage devices for storing data (e.g., magnetic,
magneto-optical disks, or optical disks).
[0045] Data transmission and instructions can also occur over a
communications network. Information carriers suitable for embodying
computer program instructions and data include all forms of
non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor
memory devices. The information carriers can, for example, be
EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory devices, magnetic disks, internal hard
disks, removable disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROM, and/or
DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by,
and/or incorporated in special purpose logic circuitry.
[0046] To provide for interaction with a user, the above described
techniques can be implemented on a computer having a display
device, a transmitting device, and/or a computing device. The
display device can be, for example, a cathode ray tube (CRT) and/or
a liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor. The interaction with a user
can be, for example, a display of information to the user and a
keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse or a trackball) by
which the user can provide input to the computer (e.g., interact
with a user interface element). Other kinds of devices can be used
to provide for interaction with a user. Other devices can be, for
example, feedback provided to the user in any form of sensory
feedback (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile
feedback). Input from the user can be, for example, received in any
form, including acoustic, speech, and/or tactile input.
[0047] The computing device can include, for example, a computer, a
computer with a browser device, a telephone, an IP phone, a mobile
device (e.g., cellular phone, personal digital assistant (PDA)
device, laptop computer, electronic mail device), and/or other
communication devices. The computing device can be, for example,
one or more computer servers. The computer servers can be, for
example, part of a server farm. The browser device includes, for
example, a computer (e.g., desktop computer, laptop computer,
tablet) with a world wide web browser (e.g., Microsoft.RTM.
Internet Explorer.RTM. available from Microsoft Corporation,
Mozilla.RTM. Firefox available from Mozilla Corporation, Safari
available from Apple). The mobile computing device includes, for
example, a personal digital assistant (PDA).
[0048] Website and/or web pages can be provided, for example,
through a network (e.g., Internet) using a web server. The web
server can be, for example, a computer with a server module (e.g.,
Microsoft.RTM. Internet Information Services available from
Microsoft Corporation, Apache Web Server available from Apache
Software Foundation, Apache Tomcat Web Server available from Apache
Software Foundation).
[0049] The storage module can be, for example, a random access
memory (RAM) module, a read only memory (ROM) module, a computer
hard drive, a memory card (e.g., universal serial bus (USB) flash
drive, a secure digital (SD) flash card), a floppy disk, and/or any
other data storage device. Information stored on a storage module
can be maintained, for example, in a database (e.g., relational
database system, flat database system) and/or any other logical
information storage mechanism.
[0050] The above described techniques can be implemented in a
distributed computing system that includes a back-end component.
The back-end component can, for example, be a data server, a
middleware component, and/or an application server. The above
described techniques can be implemented in a distributing computing
system that includes a front-end component. The front-end component
can, for example, be a client computer having a graphical user
interface, a Web browser through which a user can interact with an
example implementation, and/or other graphical user interfaces for
a transmitting device. The components of the system can be
interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication
(e.g., a communication network). Examples of communication networks
include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the
Internet, wired networks, and/or wireless networks.
[0051] The system can include clients and servers. A client and a
server are generally remote from each other and typically interact
through a communication network. The relationship of client and
server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the
respective computers and having a client-server relationship to
each other.
[0052] The above described networks can be implemented in a
packet-based network, a circuit-based network, and/or a combination
of a packet-based network and a circuit-based network. Packet-based
networks can include, for example, the Internet, a carrier internet
protocol (IP) network (e.g., local area network (LAN), wide area
network (WAN), campus area network (CAN), metropolitan area network
(MAN), home area network (HAN)), a private IP network, an IP
private branch exchange (IPBX), a wireless network (e.g., radio
access network (RAN), 802.11 network, 802.16 network, general
packet radio service (GPRS) network, HiperLAN), and/or other
packet-based networks. Circuit-based networks can include, for
example, the public switched telephone network (PSTN), a private
branch exchange (PBX), a wireless network (e.g., RAN, bluetooth,
code-division multiple access (CDMA) network, time division
multiple access (TDMA) network, global system for mobile
communications (GSM) network), and/or other circuit-based
networks.
[0053] Comprise, include, and/or plural forms of each are open
ended and include the listed parts and can include additional parts
that are not listed. And/or is open ended and includes one or more
of the listed parts and combinations of the listed parts.
[0054] One skilled in the art will realize the invention may be
embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit
or essential characteristics thereof The foregoing embodiments are
therefore to be considered in all respects illustrative rather than
limiting of the invention described herein. Scope of the invention
is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the
foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning
and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be
embraced therein.
* * * * *